There are few settings more picturesque for your dream custom home than Whidbey Island in the heart of Puget Sound. With its stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and vibrant communities, there are many fabulous locations to choose from.
1. Beach House versus Forest Retreat
Whidbey Island has so much variety to offer, the first step in the selection process is to identify your priorities. Consider factors such as amenities, views, privacy, and accessibility. What are you looking for?
- waterfront property with breathtaking sunsets,
- secluded forest retreat,
- hilltop property with a view, or
- town property with neighbors, schools, markets, and other amenities.
Coastal Home on Whidbey Island. Boren Construction will connect you to desirable off-market land opportunities.
2. Research Neighborhoods:
The Island is comprised of several communities, each with its own charm and character. Once you’ve narrowed down your priorities, you can explore the communities that match those priorities. For instance, the city of Langley offers property near the water, while the Bayview community is in the hills. There is the city of Oak Harbor, unincorporated Freeland, and many other options. Consider the local schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational opportunities – whatever infrastructure is important to your plans.
3. Work with a Local Realtor and a Custom Home Builder before purchasing a home building site.
With its spectacular environment and patchwork of communities, there is a lot more to consider when selecting a Whidbey Island property than when building on the mainland. Working with experts on Whidbey Island will certainly save you a lot of time, and likely some serious headaches.
A knowledgeable realtor can help you locate the best fit in all the available options, providing insights into neighborhoods and amenities, property values, and potential challenges associated with specific locations.
Meanwhile, an experienced custom home builder can advise you on the ins and outs of building a custom home on a waterfront, mountain, or forest property on Whidbey Island.
Coastal Home on Whidbey Island by Boren Construction
What is Unique about Buying or Building on Whidbey Island?
Environmental Factors
People are drawn to Whidbey Island for its beauty, including forests, beaches, and wetlands. When you visit on a perfect summer day, you might not be thinking about how it is on a stormy or windy day. A Real Estate agent experienced with Whidbey Island can help you make an informed decision.
The natural setting is uniquely challenging for home building. A custom home builder will help evaluate the feasibility of building on a specific property, and consider factors like soil quality, grade, water sources, storms, wind, and wildfires.
Coastal Home on Whidbey Island by Boren Construction
Zoning Regulations
An experienced builder makes all the difference when building a custom home in any community, but it’s especially important in a place like Whidbey Island. The Island is full of different cities, villages, and unincorporated areas, each of them with their own regulations and requirements affecting aspects like building height, setbacks, and land use.
Understanding the specific zoning regulations is crucial in the home site selection process. As most people don’t spend time studying zoning, a Whidbey Island custom home builder can assist you.
With an expert Whidbey Island builder, you’ll also be prepared for Whidbey Island’s numerous environmental regulations. For example, there are regulations protecting sensitive habitats and preserving vegetation.
Infrastructure
Assess the existing infrastructure in the area, including utilities, road conditions, and internet connectivity. Confirm the availability of essential services like water, electricity, and sewage. Proximity to well-maintained roads and reliable utilities will simplify the construction of your new custom home. The more remote the property, the more likely you will have to provide for essential services: water, electricity, and sewage. An experienced Real Estate Agent and Home Builder will be able to help you understand what is required – and how much any additional work is likely to cost.
Forest Home on Whidbey Island by Boren Construction
4. Visit Potential Sites:
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, visit the potential home sites in-person. This is the fun part!
Walk the property, take note of the surroundings, and envision your dream home in that location. Consider factors like sunlight exposure, wind patterns, and the overall feel of the area. If possible, it’s a good idea to visit at different times of the year, and certainly at different times of day.
Selecting the right custom home site on Whidbey Island involves a thoughtful and systematic approach. Save yourself from future headaches by speaking to a custom home builder before signing papers to buy a property. By defining your priorities, researching neighborhoods, working with a local realtor and a custom home builder, considering environmental factors, reviewing zoning regulations, evaluating infrastructure, and visiting potential sites, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision that aligns with your vision for the perfect custom home.
Whidbey Island awaits!
Boren Construction is Whidbey Island’s premier custom home builder, well known for our skilled execution of high end residential projects.
Our construction process has set a new standard in the residential construction industry, leveraging cloud based technology to create a transparent and productive environment which allows us to provide the highest level of service to our clients.
Founded in 2001 by LeRoy Boren, we put our client’s needs first, creating a team environment based on continuous improvement and the daily practice of excellence. With projects throughout Whidbey Island including Clinton, Langley, Freeland, Greenbank and Coupeville, the Boren Construction team has the experience necessary to build dwellings that are both timeless and bespoke.
